Energy Efficient Windows

If you are living in an older house it is likely that your windows are single pane glass. The problem with having single pane widows is that you pay for them in your energy bill. A single pane allows air to constantly escape your house. Replacing these old windows with double pane windows will not only pay for itself over and over again in energy bills but it will bring a fresh new look to your house.

During the winter months double pane windows will hold in the heat while keeping out the heat in the summer. This results in one thing: a cut in electricity costs. Another benefit of double pane windows is that a low-e coating can be covered on the window. The low emissive coating can be applied by contacting a professional contractor in an area near you.

What to look for on your replacement windows:

Another important part of your window is the glaze. Several layers of glaze can actually insulate your house keeping in heat or cold. Specialists are also discovering that the thickness of airspace in between the windows can create insulation. Many contractors are becoming aware of this and utilizing it for maximum performance.

One other thing that you may want to look at before purchasing a window is its U and R values. The higher the R-value the better the insulation performs. The U-value is a measure of heat transfer, so the U-value is the inverse of the R-value, the lower the U-value the better. Double paned windows can be filled with argon or krypton gas to reduce the heat loss. This gas has a great affect on the U and R values.

If your wondering, “is there a standard for windows”? The answer is yes. The National Fenestration Rating Council puts labels on the windows and this label is a guarantee of credible information on energy performance.